Comments - Beautiful triptych illustrating the palace scene from the classic kabuki play "Meiboku Sendai Hagi," which is based on the true story of the disputed succession of the Date Clan. The loyal nursemaid Masaoka has been charged with protecting young Tsuruchiyo, the heir to the clan, who is in danger of being poisoned. To protect him, Masaoka has kept him in the women's private quarters. She kneels at left, watching closely as a cat laps at the food she has tossed it from the lacquer bowl in her hand, waiting to see if it becomes ill after eating. The other women watch with interest as well, one beauty leaning forward for a closer look. The young nobleman sits on a stack of cushions at right, smiling with amusement. Masaoka's son, Senmatsu, sits on the floor nearby, holding a parcel wrapped in cloth. An exquisite image, with beautiful color and detail in the sumptuous kimono fabrics and elegant palace setting and furnishings. Includes embossing on the cat's fur, the white kimono trim, and the young heir's pale pink robe, along with burnishing the black kimono and lacquer railings. The Boston Museum of Fine Arts has this image in its collection. A handsome design.

Artist - Toyokuni III/Kunisada (1786 - 1864)

Image Size - 14 3/8" x 29 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels. A few small wormholes, a few small losses at corners, repaired. Sight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details.